Diagnosis

The doctor may suspect PWS based on your child's symptoms. Some symptoms are general. They may be associated with other types of illness. As a result, the diagnosis may not be made until early childhood.

A genetic test can help to confirm the diagnosis. This test is done with a sample of blood.

Treatment

PWS will require lifetime treatment. It is managed by the caregivers of children with PWS. Key areas of treatment include:

Appetite and Weight Management

In the first year of life, children with PWS often have trouble eating enough food. Your doctor may recommend giving special formula through a tube. This will provide enough nutrition so your child can grow as expected. However, the appetite generally begins to grow out of control after the first year of life. Treatment then becomes focused on preventing obesity.

PWS affects the part of the brain that tells us that we are full. As a result, people with this syndrome will never feel full. Without this signal, anyone can easily eat too much food. In addition, people with PWS have a slow metabolism. Both of these factors can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity. This weight gain increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems.

In this case, excess eating is not a will power problem. People with PWS cannot be trained to manage their appetite. Instead, caretakers need to limit access to food. Any exposure to food needs to be supervised. Regular exercise should also be encouraged. This can help manage the weight and decrease the risk of other obesity-related health problems.

Behavior Issue Management

Infants and young children are often happy and loving. Difficult behaviors tend to develop as children with PWS get older. Some steps that may help you manage these behaviors include:

Daily structure and routine

Firm rules

Rewards for good behavior

Psychotropic drugs may be necessary

Poor sleep can also affect a child's behavior. Your doctor may be able to recommend a plan to help your child sleep. People with PWS may also tire easily. Naps during the daytime may help.

Medications

Developmental issues may be treated in a variety of ways. Growth hormones can help with poor physical growth. Your child will also have a team of specialists to monitor development.

Early Intervention

Early intervention can help to address delays in physical skills, speech, and language. The program can also assist as your child moves through school.

Additional Support

Your child may also need specialist care for other symptoms associated with PWS. This may include an eye doctor, bone specialist, or dentist.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines for preventing PWS.
Some side effects may be preventable with treatment.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.